Photo by Hans Veth on Unsplash Russia increasingly strives to expand its influence in African countries by employing diplomatic, economic, and military levers. Facing international isolation due to the war in Ukraine and Western sanctions, Moscow is turning its attention to the African continent, viewing it as a strategic opportunity to enhance its influence and…
Author: James Wilson
Hungary Adds Insult to Injury in Georgia
On October 28-29, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó visited Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia. This visit took place amid significant political tension in the country, as President Salome Zourabichvili and opposition parties publicly expressed their disagreement with the results of the recent parliamentary elections, which they deemed to be fraudulent. …
China-Russia Cooperation Threat to EU Security
Photo by Christian Feng on Unsplash The collaboration between China and Russia has intensified significantly over the past two years during the ongoing war in Ukraine. Despite its feigned neutral position, China continues to support Russia, supplying it with arms and dual-use goods. In the light of these developments and China’s increased engagement in…
Support Taiwan’s Participation in Interpol
Photo by Sean Lee on Unsplash.com Timely intelligence sharing is key to combating transnational crime; join hands with Taiwan to build a safer global village, writes CHOU Yew-Woei. Taiwan enjoys strong law enforcement capabilities and cooperates with friendly partners in criminal investigations. Being able to exchange information in real time is crucial to combating…
BRICS Summit: Russia’s Strategic Delusion
The BRICS summit, which kicked off on October 22 in Kazan Russia, has been labelled a Russian project, but its reality is more complex. While Russia leverages the BRICS bloc to project itself as a global power and counter Western sanctions, the organisation is struggling with internal contradictions and inefficiencies. Established as an alternative…
Moldova Looks to Anchor its Future in the EU
Photo by Sasha Pleshco on Unsplash MEPs have greeted the outcome of elections in Moldova, saying that while the result was close they are happy its people didn’t succumb to Moscow’s poisoned messages. That was the blunt message from the ECR Group in the European Parliament which saluted the people of Moldova for enshrining…
Europe’s Economy Lagging Behind
Photo by Mathieu Stern on Unsplash The body representing small businesses at EU level says Europe’s economy is lagging behind. SMEunited has now called for action to help address the issue and for concrete actions at all levels to improve SME competitiveness. This comes after EU heads of State and Government recently pledged…
UN to Take Part in BRICS Summit?
Photo by Eskinder Dembebe, copyright UN In October 2024, Kazan will host the 16th BRICS summit, where UN Secretary-General António Guterres is expected to attend, according to Kremlin sources. This visit raises concerns among political analysts, as his participation could provide legitimacy to Russia’s aggressive policies on the international stage. The BRICS bloc,…
Destruction of Ukraine’s Cultural Heritage
Photo: Alina Bodnar / UNITED24 The recent adoption of the Declaration “Destruction of Cultural Heritage in Ukraine” by the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe marks an important step in recognising the consequences of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. The document notes that as a result of deliberate actions by…
North Korean Boots on European Soil?
Photo by Micha Brändli on Unsplash The invasion of Ukraine has taken a new turn with Russia increasingly drawing its ally, North Korea, into the conflict. Under President Putin, Russia is forming a comprehensive strategic partnership with Pyongyang, pledging mutual military assistance in the event of attacks on either nation. This alliance bears an…